TV and Film Courses

TVF221 Art of Film

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course emphasizes formal aspects of film art such as sound, lighting, movement, editing, and Mise-en-Scene. It introduces students to the basic vocabulary and concepts necessary to critically analyze, understand, and appreciate films and covers the viewing, analysis, and written critique of important films that marked the development of this art. Students learn to watch, listen, critically analyze, and express their ideas about films in their writing and conversations.

Prerequisite(s): ENG101 Academic English I

TVF222 Introduction to Audio Visual Media

[1–2, 3 cr.]

Storytelling is at the heart of this course’s objective. Students develop their technical, artistic, and critical eye and mind to effectively and artistically tell a story to different audiences. The course introduces students to the vocabulary, skill, key tools and production techniques employed in audiovisual media while generating ideas for different platforms.  Students learn the three stages of production through researching, writing, producing, editing, and directing. Through both individual and group projects, students enhance their theoretical and technical knowledge and appreciation of content creation using various media platforms.

TVF235 TV Production Principles

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This course covers the conceptual and technical aspects of a multi-camera EFP and studio production of various TV genres and formats, such as talk shows, sitcoms, game shows, soap operas, newscasts and other TV programs. It culminates with the creation of new TV formats. Students are assigned rotating crew positions to experience both the technical and creative requirements of each task and its significance in relation to the entire production.

Prerequisite(s): TVF222 Introduction to Audio Visual Media; ENG101 Academic English I.

TVF310 TV and Film Workshop

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This course covers specialized technical, aesthetic, and production aspects of television and film that may not be covered by other major or elective courses. The course may be repeated if the topics differ.

Prerequisite(s): Junior Standing.

TVF316 Script Writing

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This course covers the principles and techniques of idea creation and writing for television and film. Students read, analyze and write scripts in different formats. They learn the building blocks of creative storytelling and develop a solid foundation in screenwriting terminology and format: character conception and development, the difference between plot and story, and idea pitching and treatments. 

Prerequisite(s):  TVF222 Introduction to Audio Visual Media; TVF221 Art of Film; ENG 102 Academic English II

TVF317 Editing

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This course covers the art and craft of editing, both picture and sound, through applied exercises and an examination of important films that serve as useful tools for discussion and analysis. Students will edit short projects on non-linear editing systems, familiarizing themselves with post-production workflows, media management, and delivery formats as well as aesthetic principles and techniques, and basic visual effects. 

Prerequisite(s): TVF235 TV Production Principles

TVF318 Sound for Film

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This class aims to enhance a student’s technical, aesthetic, and conceptual aspects of sound by using various hands-on exercises. With focus on production sound recording and post-production story-telling, students are introduced to diverse recording techniques as well as common issues that revolve around sound.

Prerequisite: TVF235 TV Production Principles

TVF322 Visual Effects

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This course explores current VFX techniques, analyzing various postproduction processes and examining current Post-production video technologies. Students learn the fundamental requirements of shooting for post through exercises and assignments. Issues relating to the VFX, such as green screen, matt painting, camera tracking and Rotoscoping, are also discussed.

Prerequisite(s): TVF317 Editing.

TVF324 History of Film

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course provides an overview of cinema history by selectively focusing on films, directors, film movements, theories and other important milestones in the history of world and Arab cinema, while examining their relevance and contribution to contemporary cinema and understanding the changing relation of film to its social, cultural, and political context.

Prerequisite(s): TVF221 Art of Film; ENG102 Academic English II.

TVF328 Filmmaking Principles

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course covers the principles, techniques and aesthetics of cinematic storytelling and motion picture production. It explores the five stages of development, pre-production, production, post-production and distribution. Under the guidance of the instructor, students collaborate to produce a short film.

Prerequisite(s): TVF221 Art of Film; TVF235 TV Production Principles; TVF316 Script Writing

TVF421 Documentary Film

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This course focuses on the world of documentary filmmaking by exploring the five stages of development, pre-production, production, post-production and distribution. With the use of hands-on exercises, film screenings and lectures, students will learn to examine critically different documentary styles, modes, and techniques and are expected to produce a short documentary film.

Prerequisite(s): TVF221 Art of Film; TVF316 Script Writing.

TVF441 Cinematography

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This course teaches the fundamentals and aesthetics of cinematography and lighting. It introduces digital workflows and other techniques utilized in current film and television productions. Students are expected to learn the role of DOP by shooting short scenes.  

Prerequisite(s): TVF235 TV Production Principles

TVF445 Advanced Cinematography

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This course is an advanced hands-on practice of composition and camera movement and lighting that help in designing the aesthetics of the shot. It consists of the understanding and practice of the major visual key elements of the frame: light, volume, shape, mass, vectors, visual beat, and of the harmony among primary, secondary and tertiary motion

Prerequisite(s): TVF441 Cinematography

TVF488 Topics in TV and Film

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course covers conceptual, theoretical, and critical aspects of television and film that are not covered by other major or elective courses. The course may be repeated if the topics differ.

Prerequisite(s): ENG202 Advanced Academic English and Junior Standing.

TVF498 Internship

[1–0, 1 cr.]

The Internship course provides students with the opportunity to gain professional experience in an off-campus setting by participating in the production of a film or television show, working for a local production company or television studio, or pursuing a related work experience of their choosing with the approval of their advisor. Students are required to complete at least two months of full-time work at a recognized institution.

Prerequisite(s):  TVF235 TV Production Principles; TVF221 Art of Film; Junior Standing.

TVF499 Capstone Project

[3 cr.]

The Capstone Project is designed to demonstrate a mastery of the skills required to create short professional content for the screen. This project is developed on a one-on-one mentoring basis moving from pre-production into production, post-production, public screening, and distribution. The student picks a mentor and completes the project in a key position as a Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Sound Recordist & Designer, or Editor. Regardless of the position they choose, students are expected to work on all stages of the production. Students may produce their project using single or multiple-camera platforms, either on location or in studio.

Prerequisite(s):  TVF235 TV Production Principles; TVF328 Filmmaking Principles; Senior standing.